Law Offices of Tricia A. Shindledecker

Please be patient if I cannot respond as quickly as normal. This is a photo of the destruction that surrounds my office after the firestorm. My office suffered only smoke damage, so we are incredibly fortunate. But clean up takes time, and employees and clients need clean air (not ash) to breathe. Thanks for understanding.

Vaccine for Alzheimer’s to begin human testing. Isn't this great to hear? I'd sign up in a heartbeat! https://www.thetimes.co.uk//vaccine-for-alzheimers-to-begi

Hello friends. Due to the Santa Rosa fire storms and in keeping with law enforcement instructions to stay out of evacuation areas, The Law Office is closed for an undetermined period of time. We understand that the building is intact, and we expect that client files are safe. Our staff is safe. We are saddened by the news that many clients have lost their homes. We will be back as soon as allowed by law enforcement.

More Medi-Cal news. Medi-Cal will stop filing claims against estates of surviving spouses for the Medi-Cal benefits their predeceased spouse received, as of January 1, 2017. That's a nice holiday present for couples who rely on Medi-Cal benefits.

Rules for Medi-Cal recovery/reimbursement are changing as of January 1, 2017. At that time, the State of California will STOP collecting from living trusts, joint tenancy assets, pay-on-death assets, and similar assets. Only traditional probated estates will be subject to Medi-Cal recovery. Don't fall into that trap; it's another reason to avoid probate!

The federal estate tax limit will increase in January, 2017 to $5,490,000. That means, the first $5,490,000 you give to your beneficiaries will pass free of federal estate (aka "inheritance") tax. A married couple can give $10,980,000. The figure can increase slightly each year.

July marks my 5th anniversary as The Law Offices of Tricia Shindledecker and also the 10th consecutive year for selection as a Super Lawyer in Elder Law and Estate Planning. Thank you, clients and colleagues!

The Estate Tax limit has increased for 2016! As of Jan 1, 2016, the first $5,450,000 you give to beneficiaries is free from estate (inheritance) tax and gift tax. That is an increase from $5,430,000 in 2015 and $5,340,000 in 2014. Remember when that amount was $675,000? In 2016, a couple can pass $10,900,000 to their beneficiaries without tax. That's a BIG difference!

What, no CPI adjustment? According to preliminary numbers, it appears that the Social Security Administration will announce tomorrow that there will be NO annual increase in Social Security retirement payments, including SSI and Social Security Disability. Apparently, the decrease in the price of gas has pulled down the CPI calculation, even though other prices have increased. Don't blame the messenger.

I just attended a conference, watched the full-length documentary ALIVE INSIDE, and talked with the film maker about his experiences with this project. WATCH THIS! By providing individualized music to nearly non-communicative dementia patients, one social worker's idea has caught on and could change the standards for the lives of millions. It's wonderful to see HOPE in such a dim situation. What is YOUR playlist?? www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FWn4JB2YLU

Why did Dracula take cough medicine?? ...to stop his coffin. So silly for Halloween. Do whatever keeps you healthy as the days turn cold and the rains arrive.

An Auction for Charity: 4 seats to Giants game with parking pass. July 2nd vs. Cardinals, Fireworks follow the game. FC 115, Row L, Seats 11-14. These photos were taken from the seats. All proceeds benefit Montgomery High Key Club (for students traveling to Intl Convention). Post your bid here or on my personal Facebook page. Auction ends this Thursday at 10:00 am.

My clients are special to me. Someone asked me the "secret to my success" and I say that "I treat my clients like family." (And I have a great family!) Sadly, I just lost one of those near and dear to me -- someone who was so much more than "just a client." I lost a member of my extended family this week. My thoughts go to the family, and the pain tears my heart.